The Aussie city crowned Condé Nast Traveller’s best for 2024!

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
hero media
With its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture and unbeatable lifestyle, here’s why this Australian city tops the global list.

Australia is back on the world stage, with Sydney being crowned Condé Nast Traveller’s best city in the world for 2024. Beating out stiff competition from some of the world’s most beloved urban hubs, Sydney’s blend of natural beauty, world-class dining and outdoor lifestyle made it a clear winner. Sorry Melbourne!

The honour was voted on by a whopping half a million Condé Nast Traveller readers, with Sydney receiving a score of 92.96. Following closely behind was Valencia, Spain with 92.78 and Singapore with 92.47.

Why Sydney?

From the towering sails of the Sydney Opera House to the golden sands of Bondi Beach, it’s a city that blends cultural and outdoor experiences like nowhere else.

It’s impossible to mention Sydney without imagining its world-famous harbour. No matter if you’re catching a ferry to Manly or climbing the Harbour Bridge for a panoramic view of the city, the harbour is the heart of Sydney’s appeal.

Sydney Harbour with skyline views and Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour is world-renowned.

Sydney’s food scene

Sydney’s dining is another key factor that helped it land on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious list. With a fusion of flavours influenced by diverse cultures, Sydney is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re sipping a flat white in Surry Hills, indulging in fresh seafood at Circular Quay or dining at world-class restaurants, the city’s culinary offerings are nothing short of spectacular.

Outdoor lifestyle

Sydney’s love affair with the outdoors is another element that draws in global visitors. The coastal walks, like the Bondi to Coogee walk, offer jaw-dropping ocean views, while surfers, swimmers and sun-seekers can explore Sydney’s beaches, from Cronulla to Palm Beach.

Bondi Beach in Sydney
A trip to Bondi Beach is iconic.

The global appeal of Sydney

Sydney isn’t just a tourist destination – it’s a thriving, multicultural metropolis. The city has something for everyone, from exploring local markets or enjoying the vibrant nightlife at hidden bars across the city or at the incredible old pubs in The Rocks.

On top of that, Sydney is a major hub for international events. Vivid Sydney is just one of the many events that attract travellers from around the world.

Sydney CBD
Sydney has something for everyone.

The top 10

Condé Nast Traveller’s 10 best cities in the world for 2024 are:

1. Sydney, Australia
2. Valencia, Spain
3. Singapore
4. Hong Kong
5. Stockholm, Sweden
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Berlin, Germany
9. Milan, Italy
10. Budapest, Hungary

Explore the top things to do in Sydney.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
See all articles
Festive feasts: The best restaurants open on Christmas Day
Australia

Festive feasts: The best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Australia

Whether you're away from home or simply don't want to cook, you can still eat well this Christmas.

Read more
Australia's best road trips
Australia

Australia’s best road trips ranked by you

From knotted forests and windswept coastlines to postcard-plucked gorges, our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards have revealed Australia's most revered road trips.

Read more
Full beaver moon through the tree leaves
Australia

Australia’s biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rises this week

Get ready to look up, the Beaver Moon will light up Australian skies this week.

Read more
Swimmers on the beach at Lord Howe Island
Australia

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards – here are the results you’ve been waiting for

Thousands of Australian Traveller readers voted in our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The results are in, and here are your winners.

Read more
hero media

Europe’s FlixBus hits Aussie roads with $10 city-to-city fares

    Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Cheaper, greener and smarter travel is coming to the East Coast.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of a smarter, easier and more sustainable way to travel Australia without the chaos of airports or the exhaustion of long days behind the wheel, your prayers may have been answered. European travel company FlixBus has landed in Australia, shaking up the long-distance bus scene by offering a more affordable and greener travel option to get you from A to B, just in time for the end-of-year holidays.

    FlixBus driving on the road in Australia
    FlixBus is making its Aussie debut.

    Known for its lime-green buses, FlixBus operates over 400,000 routes to more than 8,000 destinations in over 40 countries. German travel company FlixBus is taking to Australian roads. New bus services will connect Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, with 12 daily Canberra–Sydney services and several Melbourne–Canberra–Sydney connections, including stops at Albury, Sydney Airport (domestic and international), and Central Station.

    “We are proud to officially mark our entry into Australia, our 45th market, a significant milestone in our mission to shape the future of long-distance bus travel,” said André Schwämmlein, CEO and Founder of Flix. “This launch reflects how our scalable tech platform and partnership model enable sustainable growth across continents and reinforces our commitment to a long-term, sustainable presence in every market we enter.”

    FlixBus Australia
    FlixBus is renowned for offering budget-friendly transportation.

    The milestone marks the 45th country in which FlixBus operates, establishing its presence on five continents and strengthening its commitment to delivering budget-friendly, sustainable and easy travel options across the globe.

    Onboard features will include free wi-fi, power outlets, toilets and comfortable seats with extra legroom. Long-distance bus travel is considered more environmentally sustainable than flying or driving alone, and the company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 globally. FlixBus stands out for its frequent and affordable rides that skip fewer unnecessary detours and an easy-to-use app and booking platform. 

    FlixBus Australia app
    The FlixBus app is easy to use.

    Operations will begin on 20 November with tickets on sale now. To inspire you to jump onboard, FlixBus are offering tickets for as little as $9.99 until the end of November. FlixBus plans to expand its Australian network over time. 

    Whether you’re travelling home for the holidays, keen to explore the east coast of Australia or need a more affordable long-distance work commute, FlixBus is set to transform the way we travel.